The story of Cyntoia Brown wasn’t always a very well-known one. She’s not a household name and her face may not be recognizable, but her story is one that’s necessary to tell. Recently, Brown’s case has been thrust into the public consciousness with the help of social media and a documentary, Me Facing Life: Cyntoia’s Story.
Cyntoia Brown was a child sex slave, kept in a cycle of abuse by a pimp nicknamed “Cut-Throat,” whom she met after running away from home. At the age of 16, in 2004, Brown stood trial for the murder of Johnny Allen, a Nashville real estate agent, whom she said kept weapons around his home, behaved strangely and wanted to use her for sex. Brown shot the man after she was unable to escape his home and successfully rebuff his advances. When she stood trial, Brown’s lawyers discussed the difficulty of her childhood as well as her mental health struggles, including suffering from fetal alcohol syndrome. Brown was tried as an adult and given a life sentence, making her eligible for parole at the age of 69.
Cyntoia Brown is now in her late twenties, but social media has begun circulating the story of her youth, with many famous voices, including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian, amplifying the disturbing series of events.
“The system has failed,” Kardashian wrote on Twitter. “I’ve called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this.”
The system has failed. It’s heart breaking to see a young girl sex trafficked then when she has the courage to fight back is jailed for life! We have to do better & do what’s right. I’ve called my attorneys yesterday to see what can be done to fix this. #FreeCyntoiaBrown pic.twitter.com/73y26mLp7u
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) November 21, 2017
“Something is horribly wrong when the system enables these rapists and the victim is thrown away for life!” Rihanna posted on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bbwi26PjHf7/?taken-by=badgalriri
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbwjgvrjsfV/?taken-by=badgalriri
Once A-list celebs began sharing Brown’s story, it spread like wildfire. Many people came to her defense immediately, calling for justice and some sort of recourse.
The Cyntoia Brown case began in 2004, poor girl is now in her 20s 😕. I remember watching her documentary back in 2012- it's now 2017 and people are JUST realizing about this case. 😑 The attention is way overdue but better late than never, thank God. 🙏🏾❤️#FREECYNTOIABROWN
— Princess Nelly (@_NellyEmGee) November 21, 2017
Do y’all know who Cyntoia Brown is? She’s 16 years old who is a victim of sex trafficking. She is currently in prison for life for killing a 43 year old predator who bought her and repeatedly drugged, rapped and abused her. #FreeCyntoiaBrown
— Slim (@slimabrams) November 21, 2017
I really truly feel bad for Cyntoia Brown like she was already held back from her freedom by her pimp and now she’s getting locked up for defending herself against her rapist ??? The justice system has gone to SHIT!! Instead of getting this girl help they lock her up smh🤦🏻♀️
— JEZ💋✨ (@nini_jjjjjj) November 21, 2017
Others expressed their confusion with the outcry for Brown, questioning her innocence in the context of the accompanying documentary.
https://twitter.com/carefreelicia/status/932966922571911169
Actually watch the Cyntoia Brown documentary… I’m sorry but that caption with her photo floating around is very misleading smh
— Nilla Bean (@Nillabeanshawni) November 21, 2017
So far, there has been no word on any major changes in her case, but it does seem as though Brown has been able to pursue an education and attempt to make the best of her situation.
Now, as her story is amplified, her life may actually change entirely.
